Krack threat to Wi-Fi devices

THE EDITOR: Last week I found that a new hack had been discovered that can potentially affect every Wi-Fi device. It is called Krack (key reinstallation attack). It exploits a weakness in the WPA2 protocol itself. This protocol, Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2), is used by most Wi-Fi devices to securely connect clients (phones or tablets) to an access point (router).

Once an attacker successfully carries out this attack, they can view your unencrypted web traffic or even inject malware or viruses onto a web page you’re visiting.

In light of this, I have a few questions. Why hasn’t there been any public information on the matter? Is TATT aware of and advising our local telecommunication and Internet service providers on how to inform customers and deal with the threat?

Can we expect patches to be sent out to the wireless routers issued by TSTT, Green Dot, Digicel and other Internet service providers? What of the branded DL Range smartphones that are offered to citizens? Are updates addressing this issue to be expected and in what time frame?

Any information on this matter would be appreciated.

JON HUBERT BRISTOL via e-mail